Massage is an ancient healing therapy with origins dating back 5,000 years. Today, the demand for qualified massage therapists is rising as people seek drug-free support to manage stiffness, pain, and stress.
Is massage therapy effective?
Studies show massage therapy effectively alleviates tension headaches and other chronic conditions, including lower back pain, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis and digestive issues.
Massage therapy comes in many forms. This article explores the 7 key benefits of remedial massage for your mind and body.
What is remedial massage?
Remedial massage aims to aid pain, injury management and rehabilitation through manual manipulation. Remedial therapists are Diploma qualified professionals who thoroughly assess patients and their preexisting conditions before applying individualised treatment.
Remedial therapists train to address mobility, pain and stress using various methods, including:
- Relaxation and deep tissue massage
- Trigger point therapy
- Myofascial release
- Muscle energy technique
- Neuromuscular facilitation
- Mind and body connection
- Neuroscience of pain
- Diet and nutrition guidance
- Postural correction
- Joint mobilisation
- Muscle stretching and strengthening exercises
Some therapists also incorporate complementary speciality treatments like reflexology, pregnancy massage, dry needling and myofascial cupping.
With that in mind, let’s consider the 7 key benefits of remedial massage for your body and mind:
1. Massage can reduce stress
Massage triggers the release of chemicals or “happy hormones” produced by your nervous and endocrine system to cope with pain and stress. The gentle (or deep) pressure of a massage alters the level of endorphins, dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin in your body, reducing anxiety, stress and tension in the process. No wonder it feels so good!
2. Massage can help with chronic pain
Studies show ongoing massage is an effective complementary treatment for chronic pain. Remedial therapists work methodically to decrease muscle tension and improve blood circulation, reducing stress hormone levels and diverting pain signals in the process.
3. Massage can improve your flexibility
When muscles are tense, they become less mobile. Remedial therapy can help to increase joint flexibility and improve your range of motion. The result is a bendier, happier body. comment
4. Massage can improve your mental acuity
Massage resets the parasympathetic nervous system. Think of it as a deep sleep that restores the internal functions of your body, increasing energy and mental clarity.
5. Massage can help your immune system
When stress hormone levels drop, your immune system can focus on doing its best work. Clinical research suggests regular massage can improve your immune system’s ability to eradicate certain cells and enhance endocrine and immune function.
6. Massage can improve your posture
Poor posture can result from tight muscles and stiff joints in your neck, shoulders and back. A remedial massage therapist will help you tackle aches and pains, reduce pressure in the surrounding soft tissues and free up your body to work on improving your posture.
7. Massage can improve your skin tone
Massage therapy increases blood flow to the upper layers of your skin and can help to drain your lymphatic system. The result is the kind of post-massage glow you can’t find in a bottle.
Ready to untangle some muscles and unwind your mind?
Book a remedial massage through our student clinic or kick start your career as a Remedial Massage Therapist at Demi International.
